Etnies Backyard Jam

“What a storming event. Congrats go out to all the riders that participated in this years event and to Nate Wessell for a sick course. The Etnies Backyard Jam 2005 began for most involved, on the Thursday 20th with the course builders working throughout the night and the riders arriving from all over the place. Taking place at the Brighton Centre, it turned out to be a fantastic venue from a spectators point of view and organisation of the team at Seventies. Having finished the floor of the course on Friday morning, the day began with open practice for everyone to get used to and deviously work out their lines and catch up.”"The Expert qualifiers started from midday with a massive registration list of well over 100 competitors. With just 15 going through to the following days final it was Peter Meakin from Doncaster that took first place with a tuck no hander, 360 over the box and fufanu on the shed roof. Jason Phelan from Waterford, Ireland placed second with a grind up the rail to gap onto the box to gap to rail, which no pro even tried. Third place was awarded to John Blundell, the only rider with a front brake, after a 540 nosepick and a Ruben wallride. The World Snickers Highest Bunny Hop was enjoyed by all. Under the watchful eyes of official adjudicators Brian Tunney, Will Smyth and Simon the Fireman, Seth Kimborough won the title just ahead of the UKs Luke Towey, who battled it out right to the end, making a heady world record of 44 inches and $3,000 to boot the same height as required to enter the Epcots Mission space ride at Disney World, Orlando! Saturday threw out the pro qualifiers, again with a huge number of 99 riders having registered. The popular Etnies Highest Air was postponed until after the Sunday finals to fit all the qualifiers in. Standing out throughout the day was unknown Sam Ward from Liverpool who surprisingly clinched one of the last 16 spots for Sundays final, ahead of many big international riders. With Morgan Wade, Gary Young, Mike Aitken, Ben Hennon, Danny Hickerson, Dave Osato, Max Vincent, Van Homan, Kye Forte, Bas Keep, Chris Doyle, Ryan Sher, Sergio Layos, Brian Kachinksy and Matt Berringer all making the final, there was an excited air of anticipation for Sunday. Sunday was electric. Approximately 3,000 people turned out for the final day of the competition, whooping and cheering with the encouragement of MC Paul Grotbags. Last years winner Gary Young from San Diego CA continued with his aggressive riding, pumping out a series of back-to-back fluid manoeuvres to retain his well-earned title. Clinching the number one spot and a check for $12,000, Gary made a huge transfer of gap to the curved wall ride to a tail whip out, earning him the highest score. Crowd favourite Morgan Wade from Tyler, TX is a true innovator on any course. He was nipped at the post to take $8,000 for second place, just 2 points behind, but showed one and all why he is one of the best BMXers in the sport today. He opened his session with what is believed to be the biggest 720 rotation over the box ever witnessed. Also with a flair over the gap to the step up, Morgan went higher than anyone else, showing his signature bike flip trick and nailed a double tail whip. Leaving everyone in the Brighton Centre gasping Morgan also tried an alley-oop 270 to transfer, very similar to the one in Props and basically free fell 10-12 feet onto his feet, to which Ian Morris felt the need to step in to prevent serious injury. Durham boy Ben Hennon was jaw-dropping to watch, deservedly taking third place in this years event. A home-grown EBYJ pro, Hennons highlights were the two signature flip whips; one over the box jump and then a crazy variation on the step up into the mini ramp, as well as a 360 whip backwards over the box. Following the finals were the Etnies Highest Air and Snickers Best Trick contests, each presenting $3,000 prize money to the winner. The audience were treated to some of the best action ever seen, with results in both disciplines achieving one of few and a complete first. Starting with the highest air, both Morgan Wade and Bas Keep came into the quarterpipe full pelt to clear 14 feet to boost highest air and an equal win of the title. In best trick, the judges had a tough decision. Hennon scored high with his signature barspin 360 to tail whip, though Dave Osato with his commanding presence demonstrated something entirely unique, never before seen in competition. After just one attempt he nailed an over toothpick on the top of the vert before riding cleanly away, cheque in hand. All agreed it was an amazing event enjoyed by all. Bring on 2006! (Do we really have to wait a whole year?). For full results go online on www.backyardjam.com.”